Judge Extends Block on Trump Admin’s Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers

‘A president may not initiate large-scale executive branch reorganization without partnering with Congress,’ the judge wrote.

Protesters hold signs in solidarity with the American Federation of Government Employees of District 14 at a rally in support of federal workers at the Office of Personnel Management in Washington on March 4, 2025. ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

A federal judge on May 22 extended her temporary block on President Donald Trump’s plans to carry out large-scale workforce reductions while a legal challenge plays out, saying his administration cannot restructure the government without the consent of Congress.

District Judge Susan Illston of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California agreed with a group of labor unions, nonprofit organizations, and local governments who have sued the administration, alleging Trump lacks authority to initiate the large-scale layoffs without Congress’ approval and that an injunction is in the public interest.